Spiced Beef and Bean Burritos with Crispy Tortillas

Beef burritos are the ultimate comfort food, packed with seasoned beef, beans, rice, and a variety of toppings, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This recipe elevates the classic burrito by adding a crispy finish, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these burritos are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 (4 oz.) can mild diced green chilies

For the Burritos:

• 6-8 burrito-size flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 2 cups Cilantro Lime Rice or plain rice seasoned with lime, salt, and pepper
• 2 cups black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 recipe chipotle sauce (or use sour cream or Greek yogurt)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

If baking your burritos, preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking rack by placing it on top of a baking sheet, and lightly coat the rack with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef:

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is nearly browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, salsa, and green chilies. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. Warm the Tortillas:

To prevent the tortillas from tearing, warm them before assembling. You can wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm each tortilla in a hot skillet for about 15 seconds. Keep the tortillas warm before assembling.

4. Assemble the Burritos:

For 10-inch tortillas, layer each tortilla with 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup black beans, 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle sauce or sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons guacamole, 1/3 cup of the ground beef mixture, and 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. For 12-inch tortillas, increase the quantities as follows: 1/3 cup rice, 1/3 cup beans, 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce, 2 tablespoons guacamole, 1/2 cup ground beef, and 3 tablespoons cheese. Adjust the quantities of sauce, guacamole, and cheese to your liking.

5. Roll the Burritos:

Fold in the edges of the tortilla, then fold up the bottom over the filling. Roll tightly from the bottom, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the burritos seam-side down. If meal prepping, wrap the burritos tightly in foil before toasting. Refrigerate or freeze as needed (see storage notes below).

6. Toast the Burritos:

• In a Skillet: Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat (reduce to medium-low if necessary to prevent burning). Toast the burritos in batches, rotating them until each side is golden and crispy.
• In the Oven: Place the burritos on the prepared baking rack. Lightly brush the tops and sides with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Broil each side briefly for extra crispiness if desired.
• In an Air Fryer: Arrange the burritos in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy Crispy and Flavorful Burritos Anytime

These spiced beef and bean burritos offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the skillet, oven, or air fryer, they’re perfect for any meal. Make extras to freeze for a quick and tasty meal later!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6-8 burritos